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VOLLEY·WIKI
★ DOCUMENTATION · 5V5

POSITIONS — 5V5

Positions and tactical systems for 5 vs 5 volleyball.

1. GAME FORMAT
Hybrid format, not officially FIVB/FFVb sanctioned. Used in schools, intramurals, fill-ins and as a transition between 4v4 and 6v6.
2+3 (penetrating setter recommended) or 3+2 (fixed front setter). No libero. Adapted overlap rule: Z4>Z5, Z3>Z6, Z2>Z1 (3-2 setup) or partial relations (2-3). Defensive recommendations are logical adaptations of 6v6, not a codified regulation.
2. TACTICAL SETUP
3 front / 2 back

3 attackers at the net (P4, P3, P2 with setter at P2) + 2 back (P5, P1). Offensive setup: 2- or 3-person block possible. Typical defense: 2-1-2 system (2 blockers + 1 off-blocker + 2 deep defenders). Downside: 30+ m² per back-row defender.

HALF-COURT — 3 FRONT / 2 BACK
← NET →
BACK OF COURT
LEGEND
  • Net — orange band
  • 3 m — dotted line
  • Click a player for their card
No libero in this configuration.
★ POSITION CARDS
P4

Left wing

Outside

Left wing at the net. Main setter target in zone 4.

SKILLS
AttackBlockReception
TRAITS
  • ▸Versatility
  • ▸2-person block with middle
  • ▸Setter's favorite target
P3

Middle

Middle

Middle at the net. Block + quick attack when the reception allows it.

SKILLS
BlockQuick attack
TRAITS
  • ▸Central block
  • ▸Tempo 1 preserved
  • ▸Switching possible
P2

Front setter

Setter

Fixed front setter. No penetration. Distributes from the net; can attack in 2 if the ball comes high on the right side.

SKILLS
Hand setDistributionRight-side block
TRAITS
  • ▸Fixed front
  • ▸No penetration
  • ▸Occasional zone-2 attack
P5

Back left

Reception / defense

Back left: reception on the left + long cross-court defense.

SKILLS
Forearm passDefenseReception
TRAITS
  • ▸Best passer ideally
  • ▸Long cross-court
  • ▸Coverage ~30 m²
P1

Back right

Serve / defense

Back right: serves then defends the line and short cross.

SKILLS
ServeDefenseForearm pass
TRAITS
  • ▸Server
  • ▸Line + corridor
  • ▸Zone-2 attack support
GO DEEPER

Check the Positioning and defense guide to see how this configuration places itself depending on the opposing attack zone.